Two Faced

So it has roughly been two weeks now that I have been in Perú and it feels as if I was here for a month. Within theses two weeks I have learned so much about Perú and the culture of the people. Even though both North Americans and South Americans have spawned from somewhat of the same western world, each has very different ways of life. This past week I have met more people and have been in many different events but I have seen the other side of Perú and will see more of it this next week.

Perú has roughly 30 million people living in the country and 10 million of those people live in Lima. The rest of the population is spread out throughout the country. The second largest city is Arequipa which is the power plant for the city of Lima I told. So Perú has about the same population of Canada but a much smaller area to live in. Not to mention that most of Perú is mountain ranges. Of the 30 million 45% are Amerindian which is there indigenous people of Perú. 37% of the population is Mestizo which is the mixed population of Spanish and Amerindian like Canada´s Metis. 15% is white and the rest of the percentage is a mix of other cultures such as Japanese and Chinese. The President of Perú use to be Japanese.

So what I am learning about Perú is it has a two sides of it. In the city of Lima you can stay in areas such as Miraflores, Corpac, Barranco and other areas where the people live comfortably. But you can just walk over an overpass and you will be in a very different side of Perú. A side in which has dirtier streets and poor living conditions. I recently went to an area in Lima called Gamarra. There I got a good taste of the culture of Perú. In this district of Lima it is a crazy shopping centre where you can buy many clothes very cheaply. It is a very bumping place with the area completely closed off to the cars. It is an area in which stores are in what looks like apartment buildings but are really mini-malls with stores after stores of cloths and shoes. It is a overwhelming experience and goodthing I was with a Peruvian. In areas like this you have to be careful where you go and especially if you do not know Spanish.

On the outside of Gamarra there are many warehouses it seems that sell bulk goods to patrians. I of which was looking to kola, not Inka Kola though. I was looking for Isaac Kola and after looking at three different places I finally found the kola. Originally I want to find just one kola. Instead I came out buying a 15 pack. Hopefully I can bring it on the plane as checked luggage and people can try my special brand of kola when i get back.

Now even though I have been warned about the possibility of muggings and theft in Perú I have felt safe and I know that I am staying in a very secure area. Though in Gamarra I still felt safe even though many people were asking if I went alone. I believe that I would of been fine there myself.

There is a great fear that some outsiders have when entering a country that has a different language and is at a different wealth scale then their own. I have taken precautions when going around in Lima and I know the risk. Though I have asked a lot of questions to people about the culture and life of Peruvians. In Gamarra for example it is a place where you can by cheap clothes and it is an area that you should proceed with caution. I have been told the history of the area and how it came about. What I have gathered is that it is an area where people want to show their worth. It is an are where the other side of Perú the one that does not have the wealth but wants to show that they are worthy.

It is the side of the majority; the Amerindians and Mestizo. In Perú these people have been worked hard for years by the Spanish when they were invaded. They were left poor and now struggle to make money. University here is very different from Canada and it is hard for people here to get a post-secondary education. You have private Universities and public ones. The public ones are free to the public or relatively low cost but they are strikes or the government can close them when ever they want. Private Universities are the next option but they are sometimes $5000 sols a month and I am told the basic salary for some people are $500 sols a month. I believe that post-secondary education is good thing to have, it does not however define the person that you are. Here in Perú Gamarra are the people who know how to work with their hands and make a better life for themselves without the post-secondary education and I can respect that. So I am going to get a little spiritual on you here.      

Myself I really do not believe in a higher power and that there is this almighty God figure in he clouds. I do believe that there is an energy that people give off and that we are connected in life. Just think when you are in love someone or when you meet someone you have never met before but they have a very bad energy about them. You can not explain through science or prove it in anyway. It is there and you feel it and it stirs your emotions. So when I walk into area such as Gamarra or even though I do not know the language and help an elderly person cross the street I respect them. I walk in with the energy of respect to the people that surround me. I try not to walk around with a camera around my neck that is shouting out tourist or act with dominance like I am from a better country. I find that if you embrace the culture that you are in and walk with respect for the people around you will have no troubles in your travels. Take moments and sit and watch how the people interact with one another. How they talk and how they ask for things. In Canada we are very polite and when asking for something we usually say "Can I have....please" or "I would like....please." Or even when we are in the store and someone bumps into to us we say sorry even though we did nothing wrong. In Perú the people are more forward with there approach to life. When asking for something it is "I want....please" or when getting off the bus you got to confront and be loud to get off. Even though it takes you out of your comfort zone the people will respect you. You feel more like them and you are embracing their way of life.

When in different countries ask about the culture and what stirs the people that live there. Try your best to speak their language and learn from them. Take the time to listen to them and explain themselves. Remember that you are a guest in their country and treat them like you would want to be treated. Though keep in mind that even though people may come off very strong and could get you mad, it is their way of life that they have lived for years. Humans are adaptable and can manage any situation that comes at us. Just take your time life is the longest thing you will ever do and it is a journey not a destination. 

    

Forgot the Sun was Much Closer to the Earth at the Equator

Well it has been a week in Lima, Perú and have been loving every bit of it. I have opened up more and have gone into to restaurants and started to ordering food. It was so easy and I should of done it much earlier on in this trip but it was a learning curve. Now I go out of my way to speak Spanish. I have started to ask store clerks where stores and restaurants are. They are very helpful and help correct you with your spanish.

This past week has been great with meeting new people. I joined this club that is located in Miraflores, one of the biggest tourist places in Lima. There I have meet many travelers that are from all over the world. I recommend that if anyone is going down to South America that they find this club and go there. You will like that everyone speaks English as I did. Though they also help you so much to find places to see in Lima and get you in the right direction. They also have a huge selection of paper works done by previous travelers in the area that explain what tourist service they used and how they rated it. It is a very helpful place and it has helped me to find out cool areas to explore.

So my adventure for next month is leading me to go to Huancayo east of Lima and 4000m above sea level. There I will be in for a bigger cultural shock then in Lima. There is very little English speakers there and very few tourist. I will be taking a Spanish course there where I will be living with a family and walk around town and speak with people. Then after I plan on getting involved in there volunteer program for a week and then go to the jungle for a jungle tour that they also offer. I cannot wait to go but also too I have meet many people in Lima and would also like to stay here.

So far I have meet a guy name Julian that is from the Jungle and now living in Lima so he can receive a degree in Anthropology. His love is music and is doing a thesis on how each generation in Perú listens to music. He is doing a film and it was cool what he was saying. We also got on to talking about many other topics such as race and how he even gets bad looks from people because he was from the jungle. It was a great conversation it is too bad I never got contact info from him.

I also have run into a Canadian living in Lima teaching ecology to students at an international school here. I meet her through the club that I joined where I also meet a girl that is traveling all over the world and is from Seattle. She has been all over South America and and plans on going to Africa and Asia. We both had lunch at this vegetarian restaurant called Madra Natura over in Miraflores. They had really good food there and Juice (Jugo). The juice here is awesome and so good. My new love is Papaya juice and it taste so fresh. It is too bad Canada does not have Papayas growing there.

Although I am having a lot of fun down here I have to make sure that I do not think I am invincible from the sun. I forgot how close the sun is to hear and got burned bad when walking along the beach. But luckily here Aloe vera grows naturally here and put it on right away when I got back to the house I am staying at. So today when I went out I made sure that I was wearing sun screen and wore longer shirt today.

So remember that when you are gringo you have to where sun screen.  

Lima, Perú

Well it is the third day I am in Lima and it is hot out. I arrived Monday at 10:00 o'clock at night and I was very nervous going out to greet the taxi. I did not know what to expect and if he was going to even be there. I was warned about the taxi culture in Lima and South America so I was on high caution. One up lifting moment before going out into the public area, you have to press a button before entering. If the light goes red then you have to have your bags checked. If the light goes green, then you can go right through. Mine was green and was glad because I had my bag packed well and did not feel like packing it again. So I proceeded to meet Remigio my taxi driver who is a very nice man. All I got out of him tough was that he likes to surf and pointed out areas of interest like their national football field.

The traffic in Perú is very exciting and dangerous. Lines in the road, do not bother just beep your way in and you will get in. It was quite intense seeing how people down here drive and trying to cross the road is a task in itself. There are very few lights where I am staying and so you have to constantly J walk but it is the norm. So after Remigio dropped me off I got to briefly meet Marcela's mother and sister then talked to Marcela and my mother and off the bed.

Tuesday I got out of the house and walked around the neighbourhood with Marcela's Sister Maria. She showed me the two areas to go shopping for water and food. Then she had to go to gymnastics and I decided it was a good time for a nap. After my nap I decided to practice some Spanish and enjoyed the hot weather outside. Then Marcela's family served dinner which was beans, rice and vegetables. All of which were good and will have to get the bean receipt.

I headed down with Marcela's Mother Chela to Mirafloras which is a very tourist part of town. I planned to find a place called The South American Explorers Club in that area. The club is suppose to help people find stuff to do in Lima and in South America and they have meet ups. Unfortunately I should of wrote down the address but I thought I would be fine with out it and just to use the map. With doing so I walked right past the club. It was not a big lose, I still have so much time here to find it and I got to see a very cool district of Lima.   

It is has only been three days but I am still very intimidated to go out on my own. I am staying in a residential area of Perú and it is pretty scary going out and interacting with people that do not know English. I know enough Spanish to get by at purchasing water and food but I have not built up enough confidence. Another thing that has slowed me down is that I am still sick and still week. The heat has taken a toll on me and I lose energy quickly. Though these two situations have occurred I am still resilient and will persevere and push my comfort zone.

Live Out Your Passion

Living out your passion is the foundation of reaching happiness. Living someones else or not taking the steps to get there creates a miserable life. After leaving Ottawa I have realized that I am becoming closer to my enlightenment as the Buddhist would say. My passion in life is to travel and meet others and share knowledge and experiences. With technology these days it is making it very possible and do not understand why we live in a world with some many barriers. Ottawa is a city that I can call home and going back there I realized I have so many connections with people there. I have a strong relationship with my family there and have made new friends through my family. Now I head to Peru to stay with a close friends family and there I plan to create and strength relationships there. My goal for the rest of my life is to have connections all over the world and be able to be accepted everywhere in the world. Also to have many of my connections come to the British Columbia to share knowledge and experiences to region I live in.

I was really glad to be back in Ottawa and to see my family I have not seen in a long time. Zoey and I reconnected and had loads of fun playing in the snow and going to the sugar shack. I cannot believe how much she has grownup since last time I saw her. Her sentence structure has improved and really knows how to tell me what to do. Gemma her little sister has grown up very fast as well and is learning a lot from her sister. Zoey and Gemma are almost inseparable and her speech is way ahead of a one and a half year old that has no older sibling. Zoey has taught Gemma sign language and sentence structure and the word “More” and “My (fill in the blank)”. Those two are a riot and I am going to really miss them.

Kevin; Zoey and Gemma's father, got some good quality time with me and got me hooked on his new coffee maker. Kevin and I got to share time playing darts at the pub and sitting down in his unfinished basement on small chairs watching hockey and drinking beers. I also got to spend time with Carolynn and the girls, taking them to the wooded park near there house and having birds land on our hands. We took Zoey to preschool where Zoey, Gemma and I got to play in the classroom for a bit and Zoey got to be the first child to play on the new Pirate ship play set. Then on another occasion Carolynn took the girls and I to Zoey's gymnastics class and I got to go in with Zoey and participate with her. Spending all that time with those two girls, telling you what to do and having them jump on you was exhausting but I persevered. I am going to miss those two and hope to see them in a years time. They are old enough to travel now and hopefully will come out West to see me and the Co-op.

On a mild thursday night; I was expecting colder weather in the Ottawa, I got to watch my cousin go on the campus radio station and play two of the songs in his band Train Jumpers. He was promoting his bands last show that was occurring on the following saturday. Chris and I share a lot of the same ideas and got on many topics when I was there visiting. One particular topic that we love to talk about is lucid dreaming. We had some discussing on it at his last show and some of his experiences with lucid dreaming. His last show on that saturday was a blast, it was really good stomping music. Unfortunately the band had to come to an end but is was a really good folking time. Now he will be more focused on his new project Glorious Moon Rockets and hopefully will have a better experience with it.

But before I end this blog I would like to take the time to mention my aunt who I stayed with before coming out to the great west. She is a very kind hearted person who cares very much so for her family and friends that are in her life. She is like me and cannot live by herself and has open her home to students from Ottawa U. She is very encouraging and always prompts living out your passion. She has raised wonderful children who have become a great father, a great musician, and daughter who is looking to change the world.

Her daughter I got to see briefly see each other before leaving for Windsor from Toronto. She is one of the ones that has inspired me to travel and see different cultures. She is currently in grad school for international development and has done research in India and also has lived there in the past. She has also opened my eyes to a new way of thinking when it comes to gender topics and prejudice topics.

I anticipate Windsor is going to be exciting and have more stories for this trip.

Ottawa in Pictures - Part 3

Thought I would use some of my digital filters on my camera for some of the pictures I took.

Ottawa in Pictures - Part 2

Where I lived for six months before heading out west.

The Glebe very independent district of Ottawa where the area has fought hard to keep out big box stores.

Varies pictures taken in downtown Ottawa

Ottawa in Pictures - Part 1

This is Canada's Biggest Wind Tunnel and Hot Steam Plant. 

This section of Ottawa is called Westboro, it was one of the areas I want to live when I was out here. Also MEC is located in the area so very ideal for me. 

So this is the mass transit system in Ottawa. The majority of the system runs on buses bringing people to their destinations. So parts of it is under ground as you see, but there is a light rail system but it runs on diesel.  

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

             Well after all the anticipation and planning for this trip the journey has begun and running on as minimal energy as possible. I only received last night a total of three hours of sleep but woke up with a good amount of energy. Waking up this morning I was greeted by Ty and Gary, it was nice to see Gary get up to see me off. We made our jokes before Ty and I left and hugged Gary good bye. Then packed my gear into the back of Ty's pick up truck and then headed off to the airport.

The drive out there I reflected on the relationships at the Co-op and will truly miss it for the next four months. I really call the Co-op my home and has really had a great influence on my life. It never gets boring there and you learn something new about someone all the time. The night before Melinda left for Alberta we had a good conversation on her path of life and how she has fallen into her career that she is in now and what her life was like before it. That very conversation is what I live for in life. The experience people share about their life journey and the stories that they have is what makes life worth living.

Now I set out on my own journey in life, one that will give me many stories to tell and write about. Still though on the way to the airport with Ty it still has not hit me that I am going to South America. This would probably the lack of sleep I received last night but I am not to worried. Though what I am glad about that I will not have to experience much of the Lower Mainland weather this year. As Ty and I were driving through Richmond I got to witness how thick and lower the clouds get in the Lower Mainland. I am glad that I am living the rain behind but I was very impressed to see how low the clouds were over Richmond. They looked so low that you could throw a ball from the ground into the clouds and it would get lost in the mass of grey. Even though I am leaving the rain behind, I will now experience another extreme type of weather on the other side of the country.

At the airport I said my goodbyes to Ty and head through to security. It was very fast and did not have to get felt up by any of the security forces there or go through the X-ray machines. But I am not going to the United States and Canadians are not that paranoid. I proceeded to get a quick bite to eat at Tim Hortons, but when I got there I had to wait longer to eat then to get into the airport departure area. By the time I got up to the cash to order I only had about a half an hour before boarding. So a toasted bagel and muffin had to do.

So having lack of sleep before flying is not the best of ideas and makes flying feel terrible. Myself I cannot sleep on airplanes and I get bored very quickly. This time I was lucky to bring an ipod with head phones and was able to let the movies occupy my thoughts for the flight and not have to think the whole time. Lack of water and sleep has left me with a headache and not feeling good. Though the movie selection was good and watched the movies J. Edger and The Ides of March. I would recommend both as worthy of a watch.

After arriving in Toronto I was greeted by old man winter, but there was not much snow. The issues with Toronto in the winter is there is not enough trees around in the downtown core. With having very little plant life and a lot of cement everywhere and makes you feel very cold. But I was in a cab and on the subway most of the time. As I was taking transit down to Union Station to get on a train to head off the Ottawa, I had to chuckle that the subway was down past Osgood Station. When I was living in Toronto every time I took transit to the train station there was always a problem. The last two times I was stopped because there was a fire at one of the stations and a police incident the second. But every time I always made it on time. This time I made it on time as well with no problem, just got there very hungry.

So here is my rant on comparing trains to planes. Trains take longer to get to your destination, but they are more relaxing then a plane and I can sleep on trains. Planes get you across the country in a day compared to four days on a train, but I find planes stuffy and the air in there is terrible. Also with planes you cannot use any device that transmits wireless frequencies. Trains your get free wi-fi internet and get to use your cell phones. For me I think the Canadian Government, Via rail or a private company needs creates a maglev train system that goes across the country in have the time a regular train does. I know that it would not feasible now but I can dream.

On the train I was able to relax and get some rest. I watched The Blues Brothers and wrote part of this blog and then got some well needed sleep. It was it nice that you get to stop in all these little towns quickly by train and I think what it would have been like when going by train was the main transportation to and from the next major city. I did not get to see too much on the travel up to Ottawa because of the short days but when stopping at the station in Smith Falls it reminded me of some of the winter nights I use to enjoy when I was a kid living in this much colder province. As I looked out the window I could see the stillness of the night and I can imagine how cold it was out there. The train station was very small and there was a small neighbourhood near by. The street corner had only one street light on and it was illuminating the snow with a very orange and yellow tone. There was not much commotion out near the station, no cars out and no one walking about. It was just still with a little bit of wind that I could tell by the leafless bush next to the train as it was swaying slightly. Nights like this I remember when I lived in Ontario where even though it was only 9 o'clock it felt like it was late night early morning.

After the lovely reminder of my childhood the train was off again and I could not wait to get to Ottawa. When I finally arrived my aunt was waiting for me at the train station. It it was good to see her and got into the new rental car she was driving. Usually she is driving cars that I would say are borderline to being allowed on the road. It is good for her to have some luxury sometimes. When i got to the house it was good the see the new porch that my cousins installed for her. Before you had to enter though the back via ramp because the foundation was getting a facelift. I got inside and then started to down some well needed water. Here I get a relief from people heckling me to fill up the Brita water filters, there is none here so now I will not have the typical image of me at the dinner table with two empty pitchers of water in front of me. After a delicious pizza and a story about how my aunt got the rental car it was off the bed.